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The Azure Qiantang, A Luxury Collection Hotel

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The Azure Qiantang, A Luxury Collection Hotel makes its intentions clear from the moment you enter the bright and breezy lobby: You are not going to worry about a thing.

Despite a bustling, central location in an emerging part of town, a wonderful sense of calm pervades the property. Luggage whisked efficiently away, you can enjoy the hotel’s grandeur.

Cathedral ceilings painted in the hotel’s namesake azure are complemented by copious natural light setting off a careful selection of Chinese ceramics, for which the region is known.

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Our Inspector's Highlights

A dip in the hotel’s palatial pool is likely to be a hit, with its garden views and adjacent whirlpool.

If there was ever a prime spot from which to enjoy one of Hangzhou’s quirkiest sites this is it: A monthly tidal bore, said to be the largest in the world, sweeps along the Qiantang River.

Tea lovers will want to indulge in the vast selection available here. The Hangzhou hotel is just minutes away from one of the world’s most famous green tea plantations.

Grab a workout in one of the city’s best hotel fitness centers. For post-workout rejuvenation, enjoy the sauna, whirlpool, steam room and showers available in the locker room.

The bilingual concierge puts the best of Hangzhou at your fingertips with dinner recommendations, day trip arrangements as well as airline and train booking.

Things to Know

We’re told that tech giant Alibaba’s CEO, Jack Ma, one of the nation’s most admired entrepreneurs and a son of the city, owns the luxury apartment block next door and is an occasional visitor to the Hangzhou hotel.

Looking to play a round on the links? The concierge can book you a tee time at the West Lake Golf Club, just a 30-minute trek from the hotel.

Culture vultures will love exploring Hangzhou, home to some of China’s most revered artists and poets throughout history and the country’s most prestigious art school.

The Rooms

The Zen-like ambiance is echoed in the guest rooms, where the minimalist feel is brought alive by vivid splashes of blue.

Gaze out of the floor-to-ceiling windows and the thinking behind the hotel’s name and color scheme immediately click — a vast expanse Hangzhou’s mighty Qiantang River stretches into the distance.

The marble-clad bathrooms with generous, standalone tubs surely provide the ultimate conclusion to a long day of sightseeing.

Those looking to enhance the stay should consider one of the lovely Signature Suites that not only boast more than 1,000 square foot of space but also some of the luxury hotel’s best views.

The Restaurants

Those looking to embrace local cuisine should head to Lan Ting on the 23rd floor, where elegant Art Deco touches lend the dining rooms a refined feel.

Don’t forget to order the Longjing xiaren, a most delicious example of culinary minimalism in which fresh shrimp are simply sautéed in the local green tea leaved to devastating effect.

As you’d expect in such a location, the list of fine teas on offer to diners is just as comprehensive as the selection of imported fine wines.

Those looking for a more international menu should head instead to Panorama on the 22nd floor, where a range of dishes from across the globe awaits.